Scottish Game of Thrones
The Scottish Game of Thrones depicts the succession of the Scottish monarchy from the defining of the Scottish English border up to the Union of the Crowns. A period of time in which Scotland was shaped through the War of independence, the linage of the Royal Stewarts and relationships with England that lead to the union of the crowns.
Each Monarch has their own story to tell in how they contributed to the course of Scottish history through the games they played. My hope is that this work will inspire my audience to learn more about the Scottish Monarchy as this only brushes the surface of the story of the Scottish succession.
Alexander II: Borderline:
For centuries the monarchs of Scotland and England laid claim to the areas between the two nations with no established border. Alexander II of Scotland signed a treaty with Henry III of England clearly defining the Scottish English border that still exists to this day.
Alexander III: The Fall:
Alexander III was thrown from his horse when he travelled by night in a storm to see his Queen on her birthday. His body was found by his courtiers among rocks at Kinghorn. The death of Alexander III sent the country into turmoil as he did not have a direct heir having been predeceased by all three of his children. This event led to the wars of independence.
Margaret, Maid of Norway: The Journey:
After the death of Alexander III his three year old granddaughter Margaret, Maid of Norway was recognised as Queen of Scots. At the age of seven, Margaret made her voyage to Scotland. She became ill during her journey and died shortly after landing in Orkney.
John Balliol: Puppet King:
After the death of Margaret, Maid of Norway there were many competitors for the Scottish throne. Edward I of England became involved in the process of resolving the disputes and John Balliol was appointed King of Scots. He was known as 'Toom Tabard' (the empty jacket) as he was seen as a puppet king doing the bidding of Edward I.
Robert Bruce: Outlawed:
With Scotland in turmoil and fighting for independence, two claimants to the throne remained: Robert Bruce and John Comyn. During a meeting between the two claimants in Greyfrairs Kirk, Dumfries, Robert Bruce killed John Comyn before ascending to the Scottish Throne.
David II: Captive Crown:
In response to a request from France, David II invaded Northern England. His defeat at Nevile’s Cross resulted in his imprisonment in the Tower of London for over a decade. He died with no children to inherit the throne.
Robert II: First Stewart King:
With no direct heir to the throne, David II's nephew Robert Stewart, son of Marjorie Bruce and Walter Stewart, became the first Stewart king of Scotland. The Stewarts reigned for nine generations before uniting the Scottish and English Crowns.
Robert III: Absentee King:
Plagued by illness for most of his reign, Robert III was essentially an absentee king: a lieutenant of the kingdom was appointed to rule in his stead. His brothers took advantage of the situation and were responsible for the death of his eldest son and imprisonment of the younger one.
James I: The Enemy Within:
After spending his childhood imprisoned in England, James I returned to Scotland with attitudes and ideals that didn't match those of the Scottish court. He was seen as a ruthless and opulent king who needed to be stopped. One night a group of Scottish nobleman broke into the monastery where James I was staying. They searched high and low while the Queen and her servants hid him in a drain. When he was eventually found, they assassinated him.
James II: Backfired:
James II was enthusiastic about using modern artillery, in particular cannons. He insisted on using the cannons himself and was killed when a new cannon backfired during a siege at Roxburgh Castle.
James III: Beyond the Battle:
Estranged from his wife and son, James III faced a battle against a large group of rebellious nobles who supported his son James IV. It is unclear whether or not James III died during the battle, while fleeing, or in hiding afterwards. One account describes him being ambushed and falling from his horse.
James IV: Thistle and Rose:
James IV carried guilt over the death of his father in the shape of a chain around his waist as penance for the rest of his life.
Known as the marriage of the thistle and the rose, James IV married Margaret Tutor the sister of Henry VIII, aligning himself to the English throne. This marriage was the precursor to the Union of the Crowns.
James V: Fatherhood:
James V was known as 'King of the Commons' as he travelled the country disguised as a common man facilitating numerous affairs. The Angus regime may have encouraged his affairs to distract him from politics. As a result of this he had three times as many illegitimate children as those born in wedlock. Only one of his legitimate children survived into adulthood, she inherited the throne when she was only 6 days old.
Mary, Queen of Scots: The Execution:
The marriage of Mary Queen of Scots and Lord Darnley was thought to be advantageous as they were both decedents of Margaret Tutor, but this proved to be a tumultuous relationship ending in the suspicious death of Darnley himself. Mary was suspected of involvement in her husband's death leading to exile in England. Mary was thought to have conspired with catholic rebels against Elizabeth I of England who signed Mary's death warrant and she was executed.
James VI: Union of the Crowns:
When Elizabeth I died without an heir to the English throne, James VI, the great grandson of Margaret Tutor, inherited the English throne. After the union of the crowns, James VI came up with the idea of Great Britain and designed the union flag. All monarchs that followed were rulers of Great Britain.